THE MOST POWERFUL WOMAN IN
TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

Without a doubt, Mrs. Manning is the most powerful woman in Trinidad and Tobago.

How did she decide on the Ministry of Local Government. Why this particular Ministry?  Well think about it for a moment. As the First Lady of Trinidad and Tobago Mrs. Manning, or should that be the Honorable Minister, Queen of the country and adviser to Mr. Manning.

There is no other Ministry in the government where the Minister will affect the very foundation of our country’s future. Like Mr. Manning, who is responsible for managing the nation’s affairs, Mrs. Manning will now manage all the local (grass root) affairs. And she did it all in a personal, private election campaign that coincided with Trinidad and Tobago elections. Now that’s smart.

Do you think that Mr. Manning suggested something like, “Honey when we win this election, what ministry would you like to head? Or was it more likely came from Mrs. Manning herself with words like; Darling you know I did a good job with the Ministry of Education and you understand how it is. Like you I am tired of this ministry, its time to move on just like you moved on from the Ministry of Finance.  I feel the same way. Do you think I could become the Minister of Local Government?  To which Mr. Manning responds; I’ll see what can I do.

Most citizens who keep abreast of the working of the PNM government will know that Local Government is about to undergo some serious changes.  The Regional Corporations will be eliminated and in its place the Local Government will rule. This move is expected to directly affect the lives of many Regional Corporation employees and constituents. The intention is that local communities have more say more say in the affairs of their communities.

Mrs. Manning is now in control of all that. Now that’s power.  Elected by a vote of one, Mrs. Manning influence does not stop there.  Most of the men reading this have certainly notice the above average number of women who are now Ministers in the government. Does anyone think that this happened by chance?

Let’s face it, this is a matriarchal society, women run things around here and they have been doing so for a long time. Its high time that they have a say in this country. Quietly and without taking credit, Mrs. Manning is the unsung hero for the cause of Trinidad and Tobago’s women. The Prime Minister may talk bold but not before he listens carefully.

There thousands more unsung heroes, single mothers of this country who have single handedly raised one, two, three and four plus children without any help. And even in homes where men are present, women are behind every important life decision.  The Mannings represent this country’s most glaring example of this.  Recognize her for what she has done and document it for prosperity.